Can a genuine, lasting romance truly emerge from the whirlwind of a reality TV dating program, particularly when the stars are in their golden years? The duo from ‘The Golden Bachelor’ believes it’s possible – but navigating the challenges to make it stick is no small feat!
Discovering love through the lens of reality television presents its own set of hurdles, and keeping that spark alive once the spotlights fade can be even trickier. Following the conclusion of the second season of ABC’s ‘The Golden Bachelor,’ lead Mel Owens and his chosen partner, Peg Munson, reveal they’re charting their own course, steering clear of the examples set by previous contestants.
‘I haven’t paid much attention to what those who went before us did. My focus is on us, not them,’ Owens shared with The Hollywood Reporter just a day after unveiling the season’s finale during the live ‘After the Final Rose’ special – where he selected Peg and confirmed they’re still a couple, albeit without a formal engagement.
Interestingly, the inaugural ‘Golden Bachelor,’ Gerry Turner, was present in the audience for Owens’ finale event – but he brought along the fiancée he connected with post-show. His former partner, Theresa Nist, was also there, though she maintained a noticeable distance amid ongoing public disputes and accusations that have played out in the media.
Owens opens up about the post-production struggles: ‘It’s challenging to move forward after filming wraps because I’ve only known her for a short period before the cameras stopped. Now, we’re truly starting to connect, and this marks our first extended time together without the show’s constraints.’ They completed their season three months ago and have been dating discreetly ever since. ‘Being confined at home without the ability to venture out makes it hard to be authentic. Sure, you learn more about each other, but it’s still a tough adjustment,’ he acknowledges. ‘Going forward, our plan is to stay together and let our relationship develop naturally.’
But here’s where it gets controversial… Before Owens stepped into the spotlight on ABC’s mature-themed spin-off of ‘The Bachelor,’ the 66-year-old ex-NFL player and lawyer had to address some regrettable remarks he made on a podcast just before shooting began. On his season’s debut night, the group of women aged 60 and up confronted him about his statement that he’d ‘cut’ any contenders ’60 or over.’ He clarified, ‘This isn’t ‘The Silver Bachelor,’ it’s ‘The Golden Bachelor.”
Yet, he offered a sincere apology, the ladies accepted it, and several, including runner-up Cindy Cullers, developed feelings for him. Cullers even chose to exit before her fantasy suite date, as Owens wasn’t prepared for an on-air proposal.
‘My approach on the show was all about letting things unfold organically. It takes time, and I won’t rush it because there’s no need to force anything,’ Owens explains, defending his decision not to aim for a proposal by the end. ‘Peg and I were aligned from the start. During our fantasy suite conversation, I realized we were on the same wavelength. We’ll craft our story on our terms, whenever that feels right.’
Munson chimes in for THR: ‘We’re not chasing quick fixes, hasty weddings, or instant proposals. As I’ve mentioned repeatedly throughout the show, flashy fireworks eventually fade. I’m after the steady glow of a fireplace – one you can keep fueling for a beautiful, enduring warmth throughout our lives. That’s the mature, lasting bond we’re building.’
Rather than pledging eternal vows, Owens presented Munson with a promise ring. For the 62-year-old retired firefighter and bomb technician from Las Vegas, this symbolizes the freedom to ‘keep scripting our romance together.’
‘Since we’re in our 60s, it’s refreshing to have that flexibility,’ she notes. ‘Growing older teaches you that you’ve earned the privilege to take your time.’
Reflecting on Cullers, Owens shares: ‘She had her vision of what the show should deliver, and she was set on leaving engaged. She repeated it often: ‘Until death do us part, holding hands with a ring.’ Marriage was her goal, not mine. I aimed to find someone to truly understand and build a life with gradually, much like Peg described. Cindy sought immediate marriage, and I couldn’t pretend otherwise.’
Munson reassures that the Owens she knows ‘isn’t afraid of dedication; he values marriage and commitment deeply.’ She adds, ‘He just wasn’t prepared to commit to her then. We both prioritize something enduring and long-term, so why rush? I felt affection for him, and he for me. At our age, getting to shape our love narrative is truly exciting.’
And this is the part most people miss… Looking ahead in the ‘Bachelor’ universe, the next installment is ‘The Bachelorette’ season 22, featuring Taylor Frankie Paul from ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ in the lead role, set to premiere on March 22 – a shift from the usual winter ‘Bachelor’ slot. While ‘The Golden Bachelor’ hasn’t been officially greenlit for renewal, both Owens and Munson endorse Debbie Siebers as the ideal next ‘Golden Bachelorette’ (‘If I were casting, she’d be my top pick,’ Owens says of his former contestant). Munson also offers guidance for producers envisioning a third season.
‘Allow events to progress more organically rather than forcing them,’ she advises about the six-week filming process. ‘If a real bond exists, it will form naturally. Rushing diminishes success rates. In my case, the more pressure I felt, the more guarded I became. I was developing emotions and opening my heart, but I’d think, ‘Hey, producers, give me space to breathe and process.”
She elaborates: ‘We’re handling delicate matters here – people’s emotions. No one wants heartbreak, especially at this stage, where many of us have faced it multiple times. Step back, provide breathing room, and you’ll see more genuine connections and happier outcomes.’
What do you think – is taking it slow the key to beating reality TV relationship odds, or does the format inherently set couples up for failure? Do you agree with Owens and Munson’s approach, or do you side with Cullers’ desire for a quicker commitment? Share your thoughts in the comments – let’s discuss!